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While there is definitely no question about the fact that blue collar workers can experience a state of flow just like white collar workers I believe that we are talking about two different kind of flows.

This is because to be able to achieve the state of flow depends as much on the context you are involved in as on the type of person you are, and so on.

I think there is a huge difference between a worker who is involved in a rather cognitive task or someone who has to perform a mechanical task. Our brains are challenged in different ways while performing these particular tasks and so it is also behaving different and so it is open to different influences that, again, can lead each of them into a state of flow.

So, yes, blue collar workers can achieve the flow and probably, because of the often repetitive nature of their tasks, it will be even more important or interesting to use Gamification for blue collar workers. I think that why this wasn't the case so far is that organisations are (unfortunately) more open to invest in their white collar workers. But I'm pretty sure that will change in the future.

Games are not engaging because of points, right? Or did you tell some one to play a game because you get points there? Bonus programs are relying on rewarding activities. Right, that works. We know that for decades. That's an extrinsic motivation. Carrots & sticks, and so on.

Gamification focuses on the activites itself and how to 'design' them to enhance intrinisc motivation. This kind of motivation happens during the activity and not because you are getting something after that. On the contrary: intrinsic motivation often gets destroyed by focusing on extrinisc rewards.

If it would be as easy as putting points on something than every game would be successful.

Sorry about this little critic but I believe that if we distinguish better between these different approaches like Gamification, loyalty programs, bonus programs, and so on, it will help to become more effective in all of them :-)

"It’s not really about being smart, but it’s about mastering a system. The key is “Doing it well” so the way you do it is more important than your intelligence." ...and thinking about our last conversation again it's about 'learning' (mastering) and meaning (...more important than your intelligence) ;-)